by Rabbi Chanan Morrison Before his death, Jacob blessed each of his sons. He blessed his beloved son Joseph with:”Blessings of heaven above, blessings of the abyss lying beneath; blessings of plenty and children. The blessings of your father are superior to those of my parents, until the desired hills of eternity.” (Gen. 49:25-26) Why … Read more
The people of Israel are acting like a fractured family with impulsive siblings hitting each other and calling each other names. As is often the case in familial disputes, perspective is lost .Each sibling overwhelmed by a fear that other considers him or her insignificant. Israel is going through a period wherein segments of the … Read more
A true journey into destiny must focus on two points: where we came from and where our destiny lies. But it must be centered in the here and now. Otherwise the past is forgotten and destiny is never achieved. Listen to this week’s podcast: Haftorah on Parshat Vayechi
Ambassador (ret.) Yoram Ettinger, “Second Thought” “Israel Hayom” newsletter, December 28, 2011 The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) published its December 2011 report, contending that in 2016, Jews will become a minoritybetween the Jordan River and the Mediterranean. According to the PCBS, there are 2.6 million Arabs in Judea and Samaria and 1.6 million … Read more
Rabbi Chanan Morisson The very first exile of the Jewish people, the exile to Egypt, began as Jacob and his family left the Land of Israel. They intended to spend a short stay in Egypt until the famine passed. The Midrash (Yalkut Shimoni Hosea 528) makes a startling observation: “Jacob should have gone down to … Read more
The Haftorah (Ezekiel 37: 15-28) for Parshat Vayigash (Genesis 44:18 – 47:27). Haftorah Vayigash
It is clear that the fragile constellation that makes up the Jewish state of Israel will be shaken and hurt by events like the disturbing confrontation at the Ephraim Brigade military headquarters between young, angry youth and the young, conscripted soldiers. Yet no event happens in a vacuum. These young people called the “hilltop youth” … Read more
The Hanukkah lights and their lessons regarding living in the world and rising above jealousy and small mindedness. Hannukkah and Miketz podcast
